Harper is hitting just .220 this season, but has smashed 25 home runs with 62 RBIs. He has also scored 63 runs and stolen eight bases. But Harper is a free agent after the season, and the Nationals are currently third in the National League East and behind five other teams for the final wild-card spot.

Reports started to circulate late Monday night that Washington was open to trading Harper, though a deal was unlikely.

The Indians and Yankees had been most heavily linked to Harper.

Washington has struggled to find consistency this season, but still sits just 5 1/2 games out of first place in the division. It's clear Rizzo and the Nationals brass feel they can make a late surge.